About Orchard House - Northampton

Orchard House opened in August 2019 — continuing our commitment to make a real difference to children and young people. Utilising the directors family home who had given 10-years to fostering, driven by the core belief that children and young people in leaving-care, not only deserve the same warmth, stability, and sense of belonging that family life provides but also should get the right kind of support when they start the on the pathway to independence.

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But only a few months later, the world changed. The COVID-19 pandemic created immense challenges for everyone, particularly for young people in care. During that period, we supported just three young people, with very little movement in social care for over 18 months. It was a time of reflection, resilience, and learning. We saw first-hand how vital consistent relationships and a safe environments were — and how the landscape of supported accommodation was shifting, heading towards Ofsted regulation and reform, which would later take shape in 2023.

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By 2022, our small family-run service had entered into a collaborative venture. We engaged in a joint partnership to support another provider, at that time we also opened our second home, Barrack House, offering accommodation for care leavers aged 18 and above. This experience gave us invaluable insight into post-18 support and transitioning to leaving care, and now Barrack House has developed into a dedicated 16+ provision, continuing our commitment to raising standards and outcomes in this sector.

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In 2024, we opened our third home in Central Milton Keynes, designed specifically for care leavers aged 18+. This move allowed us to strengthen our floating support model, offering continuity for young adults as they work towards greater independence, and the last step in preparing to leave care.

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Then, in January 2025, we reached a milestone that made us incredibly proud — our first ever Ofsted inspection, in which we achieved Outcome 1. This recognition reflected the quality, consistency, and dedication and positive culture that has guided Orchard House from day one, a testament to the care, hard work, and teamwork that underpins everything we do.

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Over five years on, we’ve evolved from a single family home into a multi-site organisation with a growing reputation for excellence and authenticity. What hasn’t changed is our purpose: to give every young person a safe home, genuine relationships, get the right kind of support and gain confidence to take their next steps from a strong support base.

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How We Work

Our approach is built on relationships, trust, and consistency. We know that real progress happens when young people feel genuinely cared for and respected.

• Relationship-Based Practice: We follow trauma-informed principles and use the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, Empathy) to build meaningful, stable relationships.

• Life Skills Program: We focus on practical, hands-on support that builds confidence and independence — from budgeting and cooking to managing emotions and relationships.

• Positive Risk-Taking: We encourage young people to step outside their comfort zones, supporting them to make choices, learn from experiences, and grow through independence.

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Our Homes

• Orchard House (Northampton): A 24/7 staffed home for 16–17-year-olds, Ofsted-registered and offering a warm, family-style environment with tailored individual support.

• Barrack House (Northampton): Formally a 18+ care leavers’ home, now transitioning to a dedicated 5-bed 16+ supported living provision, building on our early success and outcomes.

• North 12th House (Milton Keynes): A four-bed shared home for 18+ care leavers, supported through our floating support model to help young people live more independently within the community.

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What Must Never Change

A young person’s voice always comes first. We plan with them, not for them. We celebrate every milestone — big or small — and we keep the atmosphere homely, relaxed, and real. Because the right environment makes everything else possible.

Our commitment has never been stronger: to continue building safe, supportive homes where young people can grow in confidence, find their independence, and move forward knowing they are valued.